Armed Forces Chaplains Board

The Armed Forces Chaplains Board is an organizational entity within the United States Department of Defense established to provide advice and recommendations to OSD officials on policies and issues related to the free exercise of religion and on all matters concerning religion, spiritual readiness, morality, ethics, morale, and military chaplains. It is made up of the three chiefs of chaplains and three active-duty deputy chiefs of chaplains of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Composition and leadership

The chair of the AFCB is a position rotated among the military departments, with one of the chief of chaplains of the military departments appointed as chair for a period of twelve months. In addition, a senior military chaplain holding the rank of O-6 serves as the AFCB executive director for a three-year term.
The board chair may establish ad hoc groups, as necessary, to conduct studies, assemble information, present recommendations, and otherwise assist the board in carrying out its responsibilities. Such groups will include at least one representative from each military department, nominated by the respective chief of chaplains.

Policy advice

The AFCB is tasked to provide advice on issues and policy matters including:

Protecting the free exercise of religion in accordance with the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Procuring, training, and assigning military chaplains.
Military chaplain professional standards and requirements.
All religious support providers within the DoD.
Procuring and using supplies, equipment, and facilities for religious use.
Dialog with civilian organizations regarding religious issues.
Joint military endeavors for delivering ministry by the Military Services throughout the DoD whenever practicable.
The requirements of DoD Instruction 1300.17.

Executive directors

The current executive director is: 2024 – Present: CH David Wake ; previously, 2021 – 2024: Ch, Col Dale Marlowe ; 2019 – 2021: CAPT William Riley, CHC ; 2017 – 2019: CH Jay Johns ; 2015 – 2017: CAPT Jere Hinson, CHC ; 2012 – 2015: Ch, Col Jerry Pitts ; 2011: CH Steve Moon ; 2009 – 2010: CH Thomas E. Preston ; 2006 – 2009: CAPT Jonathan Frusti, CHC ; 2003 – 2006: Ch, Col Richard Hum ; 2000 – 2003: CH Janet Horton ; 1998 – 2000: CAPT Russ Gunter, CHC ; 1997 – 1998: CAPT M.R. Ferguson, CHC ; 1995 – 1996: Ch, Col Cecil Richardson ; 1994 – 1995: Ch, Col Lorraine Potter ; 1992 – 1994: CH Herman Keizer ; 1991 – 1992: CH Arthur Thomas ; 1989 – 1991: CH Meredith Standley ; 1986 – 1989: Ch, Col John Mann ; 1983 – 1986: CAPT Alan Plishker, CHC ; 1980 – 1983: CH Harold Lamm ; 1977 – 1980: Ch, Col Samuel Powell ; 1974 – 1977: CAPT Alfred Saeger, CHC ; 1972 – 1974: CH Duncan Stewart ; 1968 – 1971: Ch, Col, Hans Sandrock ; 1965 – 1968: CAPT Samuel Sobel, CHC ; 1962 – 1965: CH John Rhea ; 1959 – 1962: Ch, Col William Clark ; 1957 – 1959: CAPT A.M. Oliver, CHC ; 1956 – 1957: CH Edward Mize ; 1954 – 1955: Ch, Col Vernon Goodhand ; 1952 – 1954: CAPT Francis McGann, CHC